What Enzo Maresca was spotted doing ahead of Chelsea’s Club World Cup quarter-final tie vs Palmeiras

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Chelsea have a big game in the early hours of Saturday morning, taking on Palmeiras in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup.

Enzo Maresca‘s side beat Benfica 4-1 to get there and now face the prospect of going up against Estevao Willian, who is set to move to Stamford Bridge after the tournament.

Chelsea were able to defeat Benfica after goals from Reece James, Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Statistically, Neto has been the best player at the Club World Cup, scoring three goals in as many games.

If the Blues get to the final, they could end up playing against Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid.

• READ MORE: Chelsea set to receive ‘big offers’ for one of Enzo Maresca’s key players after Club World Cup

Enzo Maresca spotted at Real Madrid vs Juventus game

Maresca should know a bit more about Alonso’s Real Madrid side after watching them play on Tuesday.

On X, journalist Ben Jacobs shared a picture of Maresca at Real Madrid’s match against Juventus, where the Chelsea head coach met FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

The Spanish side won the game 1-0 and will play Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals. Win that and the following fixture, and Real Madrid could set up a tie with Chelsea in the final.

Maresca used to play for Juventus, so he may have just been watching his former club. But there is also the possibility that he was doing his homework on both teams ahead of next Sunday’s Club World Cup final.

Before then, Chelsea have to beat Palmeiras if they want to make it all the way there. Controversially, some Palmeiras fans are asking for Estevao to be dropped for the game.

Palmeiras vs Chelsea prediction

Chelsea have already shown why Brazilian teams cannot be underestimated at this tournament.

Flamengo beat the Conference League winners convincingly in the group stages, running out 3-1 victors. Flamengo and Palmeiras’ Brazilian rivals Fluminense have also done well in the US, reaching the quarter-finals alongside Estevao’s team and Chelsea.

Maresca’s men should have too much firepower for Palmeiras, though, especially with Nicolas Jackson returning from suspension. A 2-1 win for Chelsea is a very probable scoreline.